Pastels are powdered pigments mixed with just enough resin or gum to bid them together into paste. The paste (the word pastel is derived from the word paste) is then formed into sticks. Although pastels were used in the 18 th century, it was Edgar Degas in the late 19 th century that brought pastels to the forefront of the art world. His impressionistic style, highlighting his interest in light and spontaneity, was made popular in his studies of the ballet. Degas pastels captured the color and excitement of the dance which may not have been as fresh if they were painted with oils. The Star / Dancer on Stage L'etoile OR La danseuse sur la scene Pastel on paper 23 5/8 x 17 3/8 in. (60 x 44 cm) Musee d'Orsay, Paris

Rosalba Carriera ( ) was a prominent and portrait artist of the Italian Rococo (18 th century style known for ornate and playful artworks.) She first painted miniature portraits on snuffbox lids but, this work evolved into portrait- painting, for which she pioneered the exclusive use of pastel. Prominent foreign visitors to Venice, young sons of the nobility on the grand tour and diplomats clamoured to be painted by her. Her portraits were flattering, almost always consisting of a bust-length pose, with the body turned slightly away and the head turned to face the viewer. Carriera had an unusual ability to represent textures and patterns, faithfully re-creating fabrics, gold braid, lace, furs, jewels, hair and skin and show-casing the sumptuous, material life-style of her rich and influential patrons. Young Lady with Parrot, 1675

Since the early 20 th century Mary Cassatts soft, tender portraits of mother and child have exemplified the charm of pastel. Cassatt often created images of the social and private lives of women, with particular emphasis on the intimate bonds between mothers and children. Cassatt was an American painter and printmaker living much of her adult life in France. She befriended Edgar Degas and exhibited among the Impressionists. Impressionism was a 19th-century art movement that originated by artists in Paris with works that portrayed overall visual effects instead of details, and used short "broken" brush strokes of mixed and pure unmixed colornot blended smoothly or shaded, as was customary in order to achieve the effect of intense color vibration. Mary Cassatt, "Sleepy Baby" (1910),

The paper used for pastels should have a non-shiny, textured surface (tooth) to trap the grains of color. Pastel paper, heavy construction paper, some watercolor paper, charcoal paper, rough mat board, sanded drawing paper all work well. Colored paper may be used, from a light tint to black. Pastels must be sprayed with a fixative to diminish smearing. Anté Svircic "Forest at Rainy Lake" Pastel,Image size 19 3/4 x 12 3/4"

Practice before you commit. Pastels mistakes can be difficult to correct. Sample your colors on a separate sheet of paper. Make notes of color mixtures (layers). DO NOT SHADE WITH BLACK. Use cool, complementary or darker valued hues. Susan Carlin. Demo. 9 x 12

Apply light layers, building up color gradually. If you put it on too heavy the pores of the paper will become clogged and your picture will look muddy. Ashley 2010

Try to let the pastel layers mix the colors… using your fingers will transfer oil to the medium and clog the tooth of the paper. Christian 2010

Hauk 2010 Isuru 2004

Zach 2010

Sarah 2010 Melissa 2010